Trust hosts festive formal for young people with autism

16/12/2016

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust in partnership with ‘Acorns for Autism’ recently hosted a Christmas Formal at Armagh City Hotel to recognise the work of the Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)/ Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Connect Service.
The ASD/CAMHS Connect Service gives children and young people with ASD (and co-occurring conditions) the opportunity to meet new people, make friends and find support within the autism community.

The evening showcased innovative and creative ways that the young people from the service are raising awareness of ASD.

The Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Garath Keating, was also in attendance to show his ongoing commitment on behalf of the council to promote awareness of ASD within the community.

Speaking at the event;
Chris Millar, ASD/ CAMHS Connect Coordinator said:
“This evening is about celebrating what the young people have achieved through the connect service and recognising the great strengths that they have to offer within the community.”

Roberta Brownlee, Southern Trust Chairperson said:
“Autism is much more common than most people think, affecting one in 100 people in the UK. Some people with autism and their families face unimaginable challenges every single day of their lives. We need to increase awareness so that people will acknowledge, understand and help us to drive forward initiatives that support people and their families.”

“The Trust is fully committed to broadening and strengthening the range of support services for families living with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and I want to thank the young people of the connect service who have done so much to increase Autism awareness.”